So, I've got this situation with my dog, Luna, and I could really use some advice. She had a C-section about two weeks ago, and everything seemed fine until this morning when I noticed that one of the staples didn’t come out like the others did last week. I'm pretty sure it's been overlooked somehow. The area around it looks a bit red and she's licking at it more than usual. I'm worried it might be getting infected or something, but it's Sunday and our vet's office is closed. Has anyone here dealt with this before? Should I be trying to do something in the meantime, or just wait it out until tomorrow? I’m kind of freaking out and don’t want to make things worse for her.
I completely understand why you're worried about the remaining staple and possible infection after your pet's C-section. It's good that you're looking into this because post-surgical care is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Sometimes, a staple might be accidentally missed during the removal process. If it's left in, it could potentially cause irritation or even infection. The most noticeable signs include redness, swelling, and warmth around the area, as well as any discharge that looks pus-like. If your pet seems to be in pain or is excessively licking or biting at the area, that’s a red flag, too.
At home, you can help by keeping the area clean and dry. If there's any minor redness or irritation, gently clean it with a warm saline solution. However, avoid putting any ointments or creams unless advised by a veterinarian, as it might trap bacteria.
Keep a close watch for any worsening signs, like increasing swelling, bleeding, or if your pet feels lethargic or has a fever, which would necessitate immediate veterinary attention.
I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet to evaluate the incision site more thoroughly. They can help determine if any intervention is needed in order to avoid complications.
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